Patagonia Bookshelf
Contacts between ships and natives groups, as reported in the English-language press
SPRAY [1896]
| Article title | A brush with savages | Ship | Ship, sloop, USA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Auckland Star (NZ), 6 December 1899 | Date of event | 1896 |
| More info. | Original source: Century Magazine, October 1899 | Location | Magellan Strait |
| Article | Transcript | Informant | Joshua Slocum, private sailor |
Abstract: In the course of his round-the-world solo voyage, Slocum made a westbound crossing of the Magellan Strait. Native canoes approached, begging for gifts. Being forewarned that some natives were dangerous, Slocum refused to trade. When this was ignored, he used his rifle to fire shots towards the leader to underline his determination. Later, under cover of darkness, the yacht was boarded by natives; they rapidly departed after treading barefoot on carpet tacks that Slocum had placed on deck for defence while he slept.
Assessment: Slocum's remarks are informal and opinionated, but have the ring of truth. The term "yammerschooner" has been quoted from as early as Fitzroy, when it was associated with the Yamana group. It is also known that by the early 20th century, some Kaweskar families came under the sway of white outlaws, such as the "Black Pedro" named here. The firearm carried by Slocum was a necessary item of defence, and very probably saved his life.